Heisman Watch: Top Ten Trophy Hunters

As with the top 25, there is not much movement at the top of the Heisman list as the first six remain the same. However, there is still a lot of games to be played, and this week’s Louisville-Clemson contest could be the Heisman’s most important match up of the year… at least until Greg Ward gets his turn at facing Lamar Jackson.

10. QB Trevor Knight (TAMU)—His completion percentage is abysmal, but it is undeniable that the Aggie quarterback has elevated this team at a time when many were concerned about the direction of the program.

9. RB Dalvin Cook (Florida State)—The Seminole running back finally got going against South Florida, but he has a long way to go to become a serious threat.

8. QB Seth Russell (Baylor)—Last season, Russell sat pretty high on our list until he got hurt. Looking ahead this year, the Baylor signal caller is starting to put up big stats and could have his team positioned to run the table in the lackluster Big 12.

7. LB Jabrill Peppers (Michigan)—It’s not often that a linebacker returns punts, but Jabrill Peppers is no ordinary player. He averages 22.7 yards per punt return and boasts 33 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, and two sacks through four games this season. This Wolverine is special.

6. QB Deshaun Watson (Clemson)—This is not the position many thought Watson would be in at this stage, but a big game and a win against Louisville could allow him to really make a move.

5. RB Donnell Pumphrey (San Diego State)—Pumphrey averages just shy of 200 yards per game and rushes for 8.2 yards per carry. Not many have taken the time to watch him play, but chatter could increase for the Aztec as the stats pile up and the wins come in for his team.

4. QB Greg Ward (Houston)—The problem for Ward will be his schedule. There are no marquee matchups for Houston until they face off against Louisville. His team must keep winning, and his stats need to improve in order for him to be in the thick of the conversation.

3. QB JT Barrett (Ohio State)—For Barrett to make a run, he will need to charge late. Still, after a bye week, he needs to build the stat resume against Rutgers and Indiana these next two weeks.

2. RB Christian McCaffrey (Stanford)—The man who should have won it last year is currently taking a back seat to a signal caller whose production could reach historic levels. Don’t count out McCaffrey yet, though.

1. QB Lamar Jackson (Louisville)—It is really early in the season, but a strong performance and a win against Clemson would mean Jackson would need a significant drop off in play in order to lose the Heisman.